Bubble Magus Limited Edition APS

[Dennis Poteat]

Anyone had this Skimmer? Rated for up to 245, big, few features but I can get for $230

I can also get a Curve 7 DC for the same price - both new. Thoughts? Other options for my 180 with 40 gallon sump?

 

[TMB]

The APS looks just like a NAC7 with new colors. I also think you will find either of these too small for a 180g unless you are going to have a very small bio-load.

First let me tell you that I own a few of these and will give you my take on each.
The curve7 is great, very quiet, and well suited for about 75-100 gallons. (I've been running one on a 40b for a few years without problem).
The Curve 9 is a great skimmer that works very well - however it is pretty loud, and the pumps are crap. Last 1 year most of the time.
About 1 year ago I bought the Curve B-10 to put on a 400 total system gallons - this thing ROCKS! Very quiet and zero problems. The pump is a much improved design with beefy internals.
I would consider the Curve B-9 shown below on a 180 for the reasons listed above. I know it is listed as being good up to about 350g, but you will love this skimmer if you want to go with a BM.

 

[Dennis Poteat]

The APS looks just like a NAC7 with new colors. I also think you will find either of these too small for a 180g unless you are going to have a very small bio-load.

First let me tell you that I own a few of these and will give you my take on each.
The curve7 is great, very quiet, and well suited for about 75-100 gallons. (I've been running one on a 40b for a few years without problem).
The Curve 9 is a great skimmer that works very well - however it is pretty loud, and the pumps are crap. Last 1 year most of the time.
About 1 year ago I bought the Curve B-10 to put on a 400 total system gallons - this thing ROCKS! Very quiet and zero problems. The pump is a much improved design with beefy internals.
I would consider the Curve B-9 shown below on a 180 for the reasons listed above. I know it is listed as being good up to about 350g, but you will love this skimmer if you want to go with a BM.

Awesome, helps! Have you had any experience with the curve A9 the DC version. I can get that one for 300. 10 I didn't see listed for sale but I'm going guessing very expensive

 

[TMB]

I don't but I can tell you that the B-9 is a "hybrid DC pump" that has no controller, and it is awesome! It looks a lot like most other DC pumps on the inside, with a huge ceramic center shaft, and ceramic bearings. This thing is vibration free, and looks unlikely to break parts wise. Now the internal electronics could be another story, and that is the failure point of the other DC pumps out there, only time will tell. I haven't looked at the DC models because the pump on the B-9 or B10 is so good.